Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486878H30M52S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces; 8 large eggs; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence, combining the richness of crème brûlée with the comforting familiarity of French toast. By letting it sit overnight, the bread soaks up all the delicious custard mixture, resulting in a perfect balance of crispy, golden edges and a soft, gooey center. It’s a decadent treat that requires minimal effort in the morning and is guaranteed to impress guests or make any breakfast feel extra special.

Ingredients

1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
8 large eggs
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of French bread in the dish in a slightly overlapping fashion.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are soaked. Press the bread down gently to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the French toast for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy, and the center is set.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crispy, just like a crème brûlée.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Berry Topping: Add fresh berries on top after baking for a fresh contrast to the rich custard.
Caramelized Bananas: Sauté sliced bananas in brown sugar and butter until caramelized, and serve them alongside or on top of the French toast.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutty Flavor: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the custard mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking for a crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If you have leftovers, cover the French toast and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without overnight refrigeration?

While refrigerating overnight helps the bread soak up the custard fully, you can make it in the morning if you’re short on time. Just let the bread sit in the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread for a different flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?

Yes! This recipe serves 6-8 people, but you can easily double it to serve more guests. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking time if needed.

Can I freeze the French toast after baking?

Yes, you can freeze baked French toast. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just pour it over the bread before baking in the morning.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?

Make sure to press the bread down gently to ensure it soaks up the custard evenly, but not too much. You want the bread to absorb the custard, but still maintain some structure.

What should I do if I don’t have a kitchen torch for the topping?

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the French toast under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sugar. Just watch closely to avoid burning.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes, chocolate chips would be a great addition to this French toast. You can mix them into the custard or sprinkle them on top before baking.

Can I use pre-sliced bread for this recipe?

While it’s best to use a whole loaf of bread so you can control the thickness of each slice, you can use pre-sliced bread as long as the slices are thick enough to hold up to the custard soak.

Conclusion

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent and easy breakfast that transforms a classic dish into something truly special. With minimal effort the night before, you can wake up to a rich, caramelized treat that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion. Whether you make it as-is or customize it with your favorite toppings, this recipe is sure to impress.